July 18

Thursday after Trinity Sunday

And the Apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. S. Luke 17:5.

THE promise which God has made of hearing us proves the desire which He has to give us. Put all your confidence in God. "Lord, increase our faith," was the cry of the Apostles. Do thou the same. Cry on, looking to Him alone, "Good Jesus, have mercy on me; Lord, have mercy upon me; Christ, have mercy upon me;" and whatever be thy blindness, Jesus will at the fitting time touch thine eyes and thou shalt see. Whatever thy coldness, He will kindle thy soul. Though it were dead and buried, He would raise it up. Mourn not, and fret not, whatever grace or faith or token of God's love, or hope that thou lovest Him, thou seemest not to have. Let every aching of thy heart be a cry for mercy, for He has said, "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." He will give thee more than thou darest ask or think. Seek not to gain it for thyself; but ask of Him, the Fountain of all goodness, Who giveth to every man liberally and upbraideth not, and He will give it thee. He will give thee light for darkness; life for deadness of soul; faith for blinded sight; for coldness of heart, love. He will set thee free from the bonds of sin and sense, and wing thy soul, that, through faith and love, it may mount up, yea, be caught up even to Himself.

Triune God, as we adore,

So be Thou our Guest;

On Thy paths for evermore

Lead us to Thy rest.

From our gloom to infinite

Everlasting light;

From our loud tumultuous round

To thy calm profound.